Need help with injured backyard squirrel

[archcmanus]

I just found one of my backyard squirrels acting very strange... It didn't run away as usual and looked like it was having trouble breathing. When I got closer it tried to run, but it was stiff and sort of jumped away. I was able to grab it with a towel for a few minutes and noticed what looked like a puncture wound under its chin, blood on its teeth and saliva on it's face.

It also scratched my finger (*yipes*). Squirrel was able to escape & jumped into my tree. It's found a safe branch to lie down & rest. I can't reach it at this point and may be dying.

The squirrel was totally fine all morning. I don't know if it fell or if something attacked her?

It's Easter - don't know if there is anything I can do or anyone to contact? Not sure if I need to go to ER because of the scratches I have? I'm located in Long Beach, CA.
Thanks.

[gbrown]

I just found one of my backyard squirrels acting very strange... It didn't run away as usual and looked like it was having trouble breathing. When I got closer it tried to run, but it was stiff and sort of jumped away. I was able to grab it with a towel for a few minutes and noticed what looked like a puncture wound under its chin, blood on its teeth and saliva on it's face.

It also scratched my finger (*yipes*). Squirrel was able to escape & jumped into my tree. It's found a safe branch to lie down & rest. I can't reach it at this point and may be dying.

The squirrel was totally fine all morning. I don't know if it fell or if something attacked her?

It's Easter - don't know if there is anything I can do or anyone to contact? Not sure if I need to go to ER because of the scratches I have? I'm located in Long Beach, CA.
Thanks.

I'm not sure what to do about the squirrel, but you don't need to go to the ER unless you were scratched deep enough to need stitches. Just clean the wound thoroughly, apply some antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a clean band-aid. Watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, severe pain, pus, or fever. Go to the doctor if you have any of those. People on the board are constantly getting scratched by squirrels, so I wouldn't worry too much! :)

Praying the squirrel will be okay. Hopefully someone will have advice for you soon. :Love_Icon

[Mel1959]

My thought is that the squirrel was attacked by a dog or cat. Do you know of any dogs or cats that have free roam of the neighborhood? If it was a cat the poor guy will need some antibiotics or it will probably die. Cat saliva is toxic to squirrels. If you can locate some antibiotics like Augmentin (human)/ Clavamox (animal) or Ciproflaxin (human)/ Baytril (animal) we can help you dose the medicine once you give us the strength of the pill. It can be put on a nut and allowed to dry then given to the squirrel.

Please keep us updated, if you see him tomorrow. Thank you for being concerned. :hug

[archcmanus]

My thought is that the squirrel was attacked by a dog or cat. Do you know of any dogs or cats that have free roam of the neighborhood? If it was a cat the poor guy will need some antibiotics or it will probably die. Cat saliva is toxic to squirrels. If you can locate some antibiotics like Augmentin (human)/ Clavamox (animal) or Ciproflaxin (human)/ Baytril (animal) we can help you dose the medicine once you give us the strength of the pill. It can be put on a nut and allowed to dry then given to the squirrel.

Please keep us updated, if you see him tomorrow. Thank you for being concerned. :hug

Thanks - I don't know where I can get some antibiotics tonight. I can ask around. I just tried to check on the squirrel and it's gone higher into my tree. It freaked out when I tried to go up and bring some food & water. Not doing so well, I think it may die tonight :(

[stepnstone]

Don't count him out yet....
These babies might need a little human "intervention" now and again but
they are a very resilient species with what they can overcome with their
will to live.

[archcmanus]

Unfortunately, I found the squirrel on the ground this morning. She's still alive but suffering.
I put her in the space I prepared yesterday in my bunny house (my rabbit never uses it) with warm t-shirts, water and a little food. At least she can die in a warm, enclosed space. Or maybe having a safe place to rest may help.
Who knows :dono
Still asking around for antibiotics.